Search Results (8,048)

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) magnetic sensors are traditionally fabricated on rigid substrates, which severely limits their application on curved or irregular surfaces. To address this critical limitation, this paper presents a novel flexible SAW magnetic sensor based on a grating-arrayed Terfenol-D thin film deposited on a 50 µm thick flexible lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) substrate. Unlike conventional designs using a continuous magnetostrictive layer, the proposed grating-arrayed structure is designed to aid in hysteresis compensation and minimize measurement errors associated with residual magnetization. As demonstrated experimentally, the sensors achieve a high sensitivity of 85.8 kHz/mT for devices with λ-wide gratings and a maximum frequency shift of 377 kHz at 5 mT. A systematic investigation reveals that sensitivity is critically dependent on the grating width and film thickness, with 500 nm thick gratings yielding optimal performance. Crucially, the sensor’s functionality under mechanical deformation is validated, and a differential measurement method is introduced to effectively compensate for stress-induced frequency shifts, ensuring reliable operation in practical, non-ideal conditions. The results confirm the sensor’s robust performance under the tested stress conditions, positioning this flexible SAW magnetic sensor as a promising solution for advanced, conformable sensing applications. Full article

Pancreatic lipase (PL) plays a central role in dietary lipid digestion and is a promising target for food-derived inhibitors. In this study, pea protein hydrolysates (PPHs) with PL inhibitory activity were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis and characterized for their functional and peptidomic properties. Compared with pea protein isolate, PPH showed lower surface hydrophobicity, and moderate antioxidant activity. Peptidomic analysis identified 1740 peptides in the active hydrolysate. Combined in silico screening and in vitro validation further identified three peptides, GFSL, WFE, and FGF, as effective PL inhibitors, with IC₅₀ values of 337.81 ± 17.32, 473.32 ± 19.61, and 689.45 ± 39.32 μM, respectively. Molecular simulations indicated that these peptides interact with the catalytic pocket of PL mainly through hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonding, with Ile79 serving as a key residue for peptide recognition. Overall, these findings indicate the potential of pea-derived peptides as natural PL inhibitors and support their application as functional food ingredients for modulating lipid digestion. Full article

Deposit-feeding sea cucumbers ingest sediment-like particles, making substrate-associated exposure pathways ecologically relevant in coastal aquaculture. In this study, a sea mud feed matrix was used to evaluate short-term dietborne/substrate-linked glyphosate exposure in Apostichopus japonicus over 72 h, with the aim of characterizing early residue formation, short-term sublethal biomarker responses, and gut microbiota shifts under a benthic feeding scenario. Analytical verification confirmed a clear glyphosate gradient in the prepared feed matrices, with no glyphosate detected in the control matrix and measured concentrations of 8.66 ± 1.59 mg/kg, 1330 ± 390 mg/kg, and 6960 ± 1710 mg/kg in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, respectively. No mortality or obvious external lesions were observed during the exposure period. Tissue analysis confirmed measurable internal glyphosate residues and compartment-specific distribution, indicating successful internal exposure under the matrix-linked route. Most digestive and immune/antioxidant biomarkers remained relatively stable within the 72 h window; however, amylase showed a marked response in the low-dose group, and superoxide dismutase showed dose-associated changes in the medium- and high-dose groups, indicating selective sensitivity among enzyme endpoints. Gut microbiota analysis revealed a dominance-structured community with limited alpha-diversity variation among groups, whereas community composition showed subtle treatment-related shifts that were more evident at finer taxonomic resolution. Predicted functional profiles remained broadly similar across treatments. Overall, the 72 h exposure design was effective for identifying early internal exposure and short-term biological responses under a sea mud-associated feeding route, while host physiological responses remained largely buffered over this time scale and the gut microbiota provided a more sensitive interface-level signal of exposure-associated change. These findings support the value of a route-specific, gut-centered framework for evaluating early herbicide exposure responses in benthic mariculture species and suggest that matrix-associated feeding conditions may modify the apparent magnitude of short-term responses. Full article

This study investigated how milling methods impact the extraction yield, structural features, and physicochemical properties of arabinoxylan (AX) isolated from wheat bran. Bran from three wheat cultivars (Goso, Hojoong, and Joongmo) was milled using an ultracentrifugal, mortar, or ball mill to generate fractions with different particle sizes. AX was extracted from each fraction and analyzed for yield, monosaccharide composition, arabinose-to-xylose (A/X) ratio, ferulic acid content, substitution patterns, and antioxidant-related indices. Ball milling produced the smallest particles and the highest AX yields, accompanied by increased ferulic acid release. NMR analysis indicated that ball milling reduced disubstituted xylose residues, suggesting partial disruption of highly substituted regions within the AX backbone. The A/X ratio varied by wheat type and milling method (0.44–0.60). Xylose and arabinose were the predominant monosaccharides, whereas residual glucose indicated incomplete starch hydrolysis. Ball milling also notably increased total phenolic content and ABTS radical scavenging activity, highlighting its role in releasing bioactive phenolic compounds. Overall, increased milling intensity improved AX extractability and enhanced the functional potential of wheat bran as a source of dietary fiber and antioxidant-active phytochemicals. Full article

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common functional disorder in paediatric populations and is associated with significant psychological burden and impaired quality of life. Although oxybutynin is widely used as first-line pharmacological therapy, a substantial proportion of children exhibit incomplete symptom control or limited tolerability. Emerging evidence suggests that targeting metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuromuscular excitability may provide additional therapeutic benefit. This retrospective observational study evaluated the clinical impact of an adjunctive nutraceutical formulation containing myo-inositol, microlipodispersed magnesium, folic acid, and vitamin C (LEVIGON™ PRO, Sanitpharma; Milan, Italy) in children with OAB receiving oxybutynin. Methods: Medical records of children diagnosed with OAB were retrospectively reviewed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 120 patients aged 5–15 years were included and allocated to two groups based on documented treatment: oxybutynin plus LEVIGON™ PRO (Group A, n = 60) or oxybutynin alone (Group B, n = 60). The primary outcome was complete daytime urinary continence at Day 112. Secondary outcomes included weekly incontinence episodes, voiding frequency, bladder wall thickness, uroflowmetry parameters, and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scores. An exploratory subgroup analysis was performed in 34 children with impaired fasting glucose (ifg), assessing fasting glucose, insulin, and homa-ir. results: by day 112, complete daytime continence was achieved in 61.7% of patients in group a and 48.3% in group b (absolute risk difference 13.4%; nnt ≈ 7.5; p = 0.14). across secondary endpoints, the combination therapy group showed significantly greater longitudinal improvements (group × time interaction, p < 0.05), including reductions in weekly incontinence episodes, voiding frequency, post-void residual volume, and ppbc scores, as well as increases in mean voided volume, qmax, and reductions in bladder wall thickness. in the ifg subgroup, greater reductions in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homa-ir were observed in group a compared with group b (p < 0.01). Both treatments were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. conclusions: adjunctive nutraceutical therapy combined with oxybutynin was associated with greater improvements in several clinically relevant secondary outcomes in children with OAB, with a favourable tolerability profile. Although the primary endpoint did not reach statistical significance, the overall pattern of findings may suggest a possible additive benefit; however, these findings may be influenced by residual confounding inherent to the retrospective observational design. Therefore, the results should be considered hypothesis generating and require confirmation in prospective randomized controlled trials. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly becoming a major global public health concern, as antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate due to drug resistance. The ß-lactam group of antibiotics are widely used in dairy farms to treat animal infections, and their presence in the food chain is a significant concern. Addressing this issue requires the development of effective analytical tools for the rapid detection of antibiotics. In this work, a miniaturized Biosensor-on-Pillar platform was developed for detecting ß-lactam antibiotics in milk, which operates in a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly format, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings. The platform employs an enzyme induction-based approach, wherein Bacillus cereus spores germinate in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics, leading to the production of β-lactamase enzyme, which is then recognized using a chromogenic substrate functionalized on paper associated with the pillar platform. The developed biosensor can detect 12 β-lactam antibiotics with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1 to 1000 ppb, achieving sensitivity at or below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies (FSSAI/CODEX) for the majority of the tested antibiotics. The performance of the platform, including the design, fabrication, and working principle, was further evaluated by analyzing six blind milk samples, yielding significant results compared to the commercially available AOAC-approved gold-standard method. Hence, the developed biosensor demonstrates promising potential for the rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput screening of milk samples for β-lactam antibiotics, benefiting the dairy industry and ensuring food safety. Full article

Background: p-Cresyl sulfate (PCS) has been linked to vascular dysfunction through endothelial injury and vascular remodeling. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), identified by a low ankle–brachial index (ABI), is associated with increased mortality in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. This study investigated the association between serum PCS levels and PAD (as defined by ABI) in KT recipients. Methods: This cross-sectional, single-center study included 90 KT recipients. Serum total PCS levels were quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. ABI was measured using an automated oscillometric device, and PAD was defined as ABI < 0.9. Results: Among the 90 KT recipients, 20 (22.2%) met the ABI for PAD. Patients with ABI-defined PAD had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.036) and serum PCS levels (p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders revealed that serum PCS levels remained independently associated with PAD (odds ratio 1.254, 95% confidence interval 1.108–1.419; p < 0.001). PCS levels were inversely correlated with both left (r = −0.339, p = 0.001) and right (r = −0.357, p < 0.001) ABIs. The association remained consistent in penalized regression models. Conclusions: Higher serum PCS levels were independently associated with ABI-defined PAD in KT recipients. The findings indicate that residual uremic toxin burden may contribute to peripheral vascular disease despite the restoration of renal function following transplantation. Full article

Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds derived from xenogeneic tissues represent promising biomaterials for tissue engineering. In this study, dECM scaffolds were developed and characterized from four ovine tissues—skin, tunica vaginalis, fascia lata, and pericardium—using a detergent-based decellularization protocol to evaluate decellularization efficiency and extracellular matrix (ECM) preservation. Decellularization was performed using a sequential detergent-based protocol with sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100. Decellularization efficacy and matrix preservation were evaluated through gross examination, histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and residual DNA quantification. Gross inspection revealed increased translucency and reduced pigmentation in decellularized tissues compared with native counterparts, indicating effective cellular removal while maintaining overall tissue architecture. Histological assessment confirmed the complete absence of nuclear and cytoplasmic material, alongside preservation of collagen-rich extracellular matrix organization. SEM analysis demonstrated well-maintained ultrastructural features, including aligned collagen fibers and porous ECM architecture, with complete removal of epithelial and stromal cellular elements. Quantitative analysis revealed approximately 94% reduction in residual DNA content across all decellularized tissues compared with native controls. This study demonstrated that the employed detergent-based protocol reliably produces structurally preserved, acellular scaffolds from multiple ovine tissues. The resulting biomaterials exhibit structural characteristics that support their potential use in tissue engineering applications, pending further functional validation. Full article

We study a modified-degenerate version of the $W_{\alpha ,\beta ,\nu }$-factorial and the associated exponential, trigonometric, and hyperbolic families obtained by replacing the Euler gamma function with the modified-degenerate gamma function ${\Gamma }_{\lambda }^{*}$, where $\lambda \in (0,1)$. A main conclusion of this paper is that this construction does not generate a genuinely new transcendental family. Indeed, since ${\Gamma }_{\lambda }^{*}\left(s\right)=b_{\lambda }^s\Gamma \left(s\right),b_{\lambda }={\displaystyle \frac{\lambda }{log(1+\lambda )}},$ all modified-degenerate W-functions reduce to exact rescalings of their non-degenerate counterparts. The novelty of the present work is therefore operational rather than structural. We formulate this transport principle explicitly, derive the corresponding modified-degenerate Laplace-transform identities directly in the spectral variable s, establish the induced convolution rule, and obtain first-order asymptotic expansions as $\lambda \to 0^{+}$. We further show that the associated W-derivative is a formal coefficient-shift operator, and conjugate it to the non-degenerate one under the scaling map. As an application, we present a complete Volterra integral-equation example with polynomial memory, including an explicit resolvent representation for the case $m=1$, together with convergence and residual-error checks supporting the numerical illustrations. Full article

Financial time series in turbulent markets exhibit complex long-memory dynamics and multifractal features that traditional deep learning models fail to capture due to inherent exponential forgetting mechanisms. To address this, we propose Frac-Attn-GL, a novel Fractional-order Spatiotemporal Attention-based GRU-LSTM framework. Grounded in the Fractal Market Hypothesis, the model embeds Grünwald–Letnikov fractional-order operators into a dual-channel architecture (FracLSTM and FracGRU) to characterize long-range memory with rigorous power-law decay priors. Furthermore, an extreme-aware asymmetric loss function is designed to drive a dynamic spatiotemporal routing mechanism, enabling adaptive shifts between long-term macro trends and short-term micro shocks. Empirical tests on major U.S. stock indices reveal three significant findings. First, the Frac-Attn-GL framework substantially reduces prediction errors, achieving up to a 93.1% RMSE reduction on the highly volatile NASDAQ index compared to standard baselines. Second, the adaptively learned fractional-order parameters exhibit a consistent quantitative alignment with the market’s empirical multifractal singularity spectrum, supporting the physical interpretability of the model’s endogenous memory mechanism. Finally, hybrid residual multifractal diagnostics indicate that the framework effectively captures deep long-range correlations, reducing the Hurst exponent of the prediction residuals from ~0.83 to approximately 0.50, a level consistent with the absence of significant long-range dependence. Full article

This study presents an application-oriented CFD–FEM integrated workflow for analyzing chamber-side field non-uniformity and kelp-side thermal response during infrared drying. A three-dimensional steady-state CFD model was first established to reconstruct the chamber temperature, airflow, and incident radiation fields under certain operating conditions. Numerical consistency was checked through residual convergence; monitored variables; and global mass balance, for which the net mass imbalance was 0.004077 kg s⁻¹. The reconstructed mid-plane fields were then processed in MATLAB to extract the mean values, extrema, and coefficients of variation, and a composite objective function was used to screen the tested operating conditions in terms of field uniformity, temperature band compliance, and overheating risk. The thermal loads obtained via CFD were subsequently mapped onto a kelp finite element model to simulate the transient surface temperature evolution. Among the tested cases, case01 yielded the lowest composite objective value (J = 0.4535); its mapped kelp response showed a mean surface temperature of 62.23 °C and a maximum temperature of 63.57 °C at the exported time step. The proposed framework is therefore suitable for thermal response assessment and operating condition screening, although determining the full drying behavior still requires coupling of moisture transfer and improved experimental validation. Full article

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is an efficient, low-cost technique for fabricating large-scale metallic components and, in particular, functionally graded materials (FGMs). This review focuses on the fabrication of 316L stainless steel–Inconel 625 FGMs by arc-based WAAM processes, examining Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) in terms of their microstructural outcomes, compositional control strategies, residual stress development and mechanical performance. A critical finding emerging from the reviewed literature is that direct compositional interfaces between 316L and Inconel 625 can yield superior tensile strength and ductility and lower residual stresses compared to smooth gradient strategies, owing to the formation of detrimental secondary phases such as δ-phase, Laves phase and MC carbides at intermediate iron–nickel compositions encountered only during graded builds. The potential of Submerged Arc Additive Manufacturing (SAAM) as a future high-deposition-rate alternative for large-scale FGM fabrication is also discussed. Key challenges, including dilution control, Laves phase formation, residual stress management and the corrosion characterization of the graded region, are identified, together with priority research directions for advancing the industrial adoption of arc-based FGM components. Full article

Corn processing waste represents an abundant, renewable, and low-cost lignocellulosic resource with considerable potential for environmental remediation applications. Large quantities of residues generated during corn processing, including cobs, husks, bran, and other by-products, are produced annually and can be utilized directly as native biomass or converted through thermochemical processes into hydrochars and biochars. This systematic review provides a comparative analysis of native corn processing biomass, hydrochars produced via hydrothermal carbonization, and biochars obtained through pyrolysis, with a focus on their potential as adsorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from soil and water systems. Particular attention is given to the influence of thermochemical conversion processes on the physicochemical properties of the materials, including surface chemistry, porosity, functional groups, and structural characteristics, which govern adsorption mechanisms such as ion exchange, electrostatic interactions, surface complexation, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interactions. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of each material type are discussed, together with key environmental and techno-economic considerations related to their production and practical application, including indicative production costs (USD per kg of adsorbent) and cost–performance relationships in terms of adsorption capacity. By linking biomass conversion processes, material properties, and adsorption performance, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of corn processing waste valorization and to support the development of sustainable adsorbent materials for soil and water remediation. A total of 36 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis following PRISMA guidelines. Full article

Joint modulation format identification (MFI) and optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) monitoring constitutes one of the most critical functions integrated in digital coherent receivers, ensuring high flexibility and stability in elastic optical networks (EONs). Since signal amplitude information captures inherent characteristics associated with modulation formats and fluctuations induced by OSNR variations, a simple and effective optical performance monitoring (OPM) scheme based on an amplitude-analytic complex plane is proposed. By employing a multi-task learning algorithm incorporating the multi-order gated aggregation (MOGA) module, the proposed scheme enables simultaneous MFI and OSNR monitoring for polarization division multiplexed (PDM)-QPSK/-16QAM/-32QAM/-64QAM/-128QAM signals. The performance of the proposed scheme is numerically verified in 28 GBaud coherent optical communication systems of various configurations. Numerical simulation results show that 100% identification accuracy is obtainable for all five modulation formats, even at OSNR values lower than the corresponding theoretical 20% forward error correction (FEC) limit. Meanwhile, the mean absolute error (MAE) of OSNR monitoring for QPSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM, and 128QAM are 0.16 dB, 0.15 dB, 0.17 dB, 0.28 dB, and 0.33 dB, respectively. Furthermore, simulation results show that the proposed scheme is robust to residual chromatic dispersion (CD) and the nonlinear effects with strong generalization capability. These results suggest that the proposed scheme is promising for applications in next-generation EONs. Full article

Mango leaves (Mangifera indica), an underutilized residue, represent a promising source of functional proteins with potential applications in emulsion-based delivery systems. Leaf protein concentrate (LPC) was extracted and modified by high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) to enhance its techno-functional properties. The modified protein was subsequently used as a natural emulsifier to develop oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions enriched with Curatella americana leaf extract, a phenolic-rich source of antioxidant bioactive compounds. Ultrasound-assisted emulsification (UAEm) conditions were optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design, evaluating the effects of protein concentration (0.5, 1, and 1.5%), oil-to-water ratio (1:4, 1:4.5, and 1:5, mL:mL), and sonication time (2.5, 5, and 7.5 min) on droplet size (D_[4,3], µm). The optimized formulation consisted of 1.5% protein, an O/W ratio of 1:4 mL, and a time of 7.5 min, producing an emulsion with a droplet diameter of 7.23 µm. The emulsions exhibited high resistance to storage, pH variation (2–10), ionic strength (100–500 mM NaCl), and thermal treatments up to 50 °C. Additionally, incorporating C. americana extract enhanced thermal stability, photostability, and antioxidant retention under UV exposure, suggesting the formation of reinforcing protein–polyphenol interactions. These findings demonstrate the potential of mango leaf protein as a sustainable emulsifier and protective carrier for sensitive bioactive compounds, supporting its application in functional food and nutraceutical formulations. Full article